With consumers' health awareness reaching unprecedented heights globally, the nutrition and health industry is ushering in a golden era of development. From basic vitamins and minerals to cutting-edge brain health and sports nutrition ingredients, a vast and intricate product ecosystem is taking shape. To clarify market dynamics, leading companies in the industry have established a scientific and comprehensive Full Classification Table of Nutrition and Health Products, aimed at providing clear guidance for product development, market insights, and consumer education.
Basic Nutrition: The Foundation of Health
The classification system reveals that basic nutritional supplements continue to dominate the market. The Vitamins category, a traditional pillar, is finely divided into fat-soluble and water-soluble types. Vitamin D3 (supporting bone and immune health) and full-spectrum B vitamins, which meet energy metabolism needs, remain strong drivers of market growth.
Water-Soluble Vitamins Fat-Soluble Vitamins
Amino Acids and Proteins form the foundation of life. In addition to essential amino acids used as necessary nutritional fortifiers in animal feed, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) and whey protein maintain a solid position in the sports nutrition sector. Meanwhile, plant proteins (such as pea protein and rice protein) are growing at an astonishing rate, driven by global veganism and clean label trends.
Glycine Tryptophan Non-Essential Amino Acids
Gut Health: The Core Battlefield of Functional Ingredients
The concept of "gut health, overall health" has gained widespread recognition, driving rapid growth in the Prebiotics and Dietary Fibers category. Not only are classic prebiotics like fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin widely used, but ingredients with dual functions of fiber and prebiotics, such as resistant dextrin, are highly valued for their potential in weight management and blood sugar control, and are increasingly incorporated into various foods and beverages.
Prebiotics Dietary Fibers
Functional Innovation: The Growth Engine of Niche Markets
The most vibrant area reflecting industry innovation is the Specialty Ingredients category, which targets specific health needs:
Joint Health: The classic combination of chondroitin sulfate and glucosamine continues to serve the aging population, while Type II collagen and hyaluronic acid are making inroads into the high-end pet nutrition market.
Brain Health: In today's fast-paced lifestyle, cognitive support has become a new focus. Ingredients such as phosphatidylserine (PS), algal DHA, and Ginkgo biloba extract are being used to develop health products aimed at improving memory, focus, and mood.
Sports Performance: Beyond basic protein, ingredients like creatine, beta-alanine, and beetroot extract (a natural source of nitrates) are providing professional solutions for serious fitness enthusiasts and mid-to-high-end consumers seeking optimal athletic performance.
Brain Health: In today’s fast-paced lifestyle, cognitive support has become a new focus. Ingredients such as phosphatidylserine (PS), algal DHA, and Ginkgo biloba extract are being used to develop health products aimed at improving memory, focus, and mood.
Sports Performance: Beyond basic protein, ingredients like creatine, beta-alanine, and beetroot extract (a natural source of nitrates) are providing professional solutions for serious fitness enthusiasts and mid-to-high-end consumers seeking optimal athletic performance.
Bone and joint health Energy & Performance Ingredients Sweeteners & Carriers
Behind the Scenes: Key Enablers of Product Innovation
It is worth noting that "behind-the-scenes heroes" such as Premixes and Sweeteners/Carriers are also indispensable parts of the product system. Customized premixes ensure the scientific accuracy and stability of nutritional formulations in products like milk powder and health supplements. Meanwhile, the application of natural sweeteners (e.g., stevia glycosides, monk fruit extract) and functional carriers (e.g., resistant dextrin) is key to achieving "reduced sugar without compromising sweetness" and optimizing product texture.
Foodchem as a core player and solution provider in the global nutrition and health industry, we leverage our comprehensive product portfolio and deep technical expertise to offer one-stop services—from high-quality raw materials to customized premixes—for global clients, jointly pioneering a healthier future.